Did you know that simply replacing or cleaning a clogged air filter can lower your home’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%? Performing seasonal AC maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to avoid expensive repair bills and unexpected breakdowns. By caring for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you can extend your HVAC system’s lifespan and enjoy better energy efficiency.
Trusted providers like Central Oregon Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provide all of the seasonal AC maintenance and repair services your home needs. To keep your home as cool and comfortable as possible, adopt the following HVAC maintenance tips.
Spring Maintenance: Preparing for Warmer Months
The best time to perform preventative AC maintenance is before the weather warms up. In the springtime, you should maintain and repair your AC before you actually need it. This is a good time to schedule a professional inspection to make sure your AC is in good condition for the summertime.
There are a few AC maintenance tasks you can handle on your own to prepare your AC for warmer weather.
- Replace Air Filters: Ideally, you should be replacing or cleaning your air filters every one to three months. Each filter manufacturer has different specifications, so you should check the specifications for your AC filter.
- Check the Outdoor Unit: There shouldn’t be any debris or weeds within two to three feet of your outdoor unit. From time to time, you should weed and clean around your unit so that it can work properly.
- Remove Obstructions: Before the weather warms up, go from room to room to check your vents. Make sure there isn’t any furniture or other items blocking each vent.
- Clean Vents: During your pre-season maintenance check, remove each vent to clean it with warm, soapy water. Then, use a vacuum to get rid of any dust or dirt that is inside the duct.
Summer Maintenance: Keeping Your AC Running Efficiently
Once summer arrives, there are a few seasonal AC maintenance tasks you can perform to keep your AC running as efficiently as possible. To prevent mid-summer breakdowns, you should schedule Air Conditioning maintenance services with a trusted HVAC provider.
- Monitor Refrigerant Levels: If your AC isn’t cooling properly, you may have low refrigerant levels. Frozen evaporator coils are another common sign that refrigerant levels are too low. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your AC and recharge your refrigerant if the level is low.
- Check Your Thermostat: You can use a basic thermometer to make sure your thermostat is reading the temperature properly. If there is a thermostat issue, you can reset the thermostat using the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, you can try cleaning off the sensors so that they can get a more accurate reading.
- Clean Condenser Coils: If you are mechanically inclined, you can clean off the condenser coils. After turning off your AC, use a hose to gently clean off the coils. However, you should be careful not to bend the fins while you are cleaning the coils. Dirty condenser coils can increase energy consumption by 30%, so cleaning the coils ensures your home has a more energy-efficient cooling system.
Fall Maintenance: Transitioning to Cooler Weather
As you transition into the fall, there are a few things you should do to protect your AC. After turning off the thermostat, you should clean and cover the condenser. Depending on how humid your region is, you may want to use a full AC cover or simply place a wooden board on top of the AC to block leaves and debris.
Once you have finished your end-of-season air conditioning care, the next step is preparing your HVAC unit for fall. Schedule a heating system inspection and maintenance check before the weather gets cold.
Winter Maintenance: Ensuring System Longevity
As you prepare your HVAC system for winter, there are a few important tasks you can do. You should start by checking the ductwork for leaks. If air escapes from the ductwork, your HVAC unit has to produce extra conditioned air to achieve the correct temperature. Any duct leaks should be properly sealed before cold weather sets in.
Next, you should check your insulation. The insulation type you need is based on the climate you live in. By installing the correct insulation, you can decrease the amount your home has to spend on energy costs.
Year-Round Maintenance Tips
As a homeowner, there are a few HVAC maintenance tips you should be performing throughout the year.
- Check Thermostat Settings: Sometimes, a family member will change the thermostat settings. You should periodically check the thermostat to ensure it’s set to the correct mode and temperature.
- Remove Obstructions: Your vents shouldn’t be blocked by clothes, furniture, or other belongings.
- Be Proactive: Throughout the year, you should pay attention to signs your HVAC system isn’t working properly. If you notice unusual symptoms or signs of wear, it’s important to schedule preventative AC maintenance right away. Many HVAC problems will become worse if they aren’t treated, so proactive maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs.
Perform Seasonal Maintenance on Your Air Conditioning Unit
With the right seasonal AC maintenance, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and higher energy bills. Plus, the best HVAC maintenance tips can ensure your AC lasts as long as possible. Through the help of trusted professionals like Central Oregon Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can keep your AC performing its best throughout the year.
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